Academic Honor Distinctions

Summa Cum Laude

Grace Koppenheffer

Magna Cum Laude

Frances Walker Abbott

Hanna Diamond

Aren Norie Hendrickson

Tanner Allen Henson

Taylor Nicole Jones §

Maggie Belle Martin

Laura Marshall Merriman

Austin Chandler Panameno

Christian Jacob Schweitzer

Jessica Faye Tallant

Jacob Winton

Jacob Wayne Parrott

Joshua Plummer

Michael J. Riedl

Qingrong Ruan

Maya Wiemokly Sweeny

Claire Elizabeth Thompson

Teala Leung Volkamer

Caitlyn Marie Wood

Mathias Aaron Young

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia worn at college and university functions dates back to the Middle Ages. Monks and students used them to keep warm in medieval castles and halls of learning. Robes for the doctorate degree carry broad, velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on the full sleeves. This velvet trimming may be either black or a specific color distinctive of the degree. Robes for the master degree include long half-moon sleeves rather than velvet panels.

Candidates for and holders of the master and doctorate degree wear hoods over their robes. The hood symbolizes heavy burden and identifies the level of the degree, the field of learning, and the institution that awards it. The color of the trimming declares the major field of learning. The academic color for law is purple. The colors that line the hood identify the university awarding the degree.

Honors & Academic Cords

Candidates for graduation are vested with cords signifying that they are graduating with academic honors distinction or have participated in pro bono activities during law school.

Forest Academic Publications: Journal of Business & Intellectual Property, Journal of Law & Policy, Law Review

Light Blue Advocacy Teams: Moot Court, Trial Team

Lilac Pro Bono Honors

Old Gold Academic Honors Distinction

Summa Cum Laude Student(s) within the top 2% of the class.

Magna Cum Laude Next highest-ranking students within the top 12% of the class. Cum Laude Next highest-ranking students within the top 33% of the class.

Photography & Videography

The Hooding & Commencement Ceremony is being professionally photographed and livestreamed. Each graduate will have an opportunity to purchase photographs of the event. Therefore, we ask that all guests refrain from blocking any aisle or walkway while taking photographs.